A Christmas Carol Assessment

Which of the following phrases best illustrates the setting of the story?

• sunny, warm, and happy

• dark, cold, and foreboding

• freezing, clear, and still

• frigid, snowing, and peaceful

Answer explanation

The phrase 'dark, cold, and foreboding' effectively conveys a tense and ominous atmosphere, which is likely central to the story's setting, contrasting with the other options that suggest a more positive or neutral environment.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which statement best explains the contrasting points of view of Scrooge and his nephew about Christmas.

• Scrooge thinks that Christmas is a wonderful holiday and his nephew thinks the holiday is a waste of time.

• Scrooge thinks that Christmas should be celebrated at a different time of year, which his nephew completely disagrees with.

• Scrooge thinks that the holiday is the one time of the year when everyone seems happy, and his nephew thinks everyone should work over the holiday.

• Scrooge thinks that everyone should continue working during Christmas, and his nephew thinks it is the one time of the year when everyone is happy.

Answer explanation

Scrooge believes that Christmas is a time for work and productivity, while his nephew sees it as a joyful occasion that brings happiness to everyone. This contrast highlights their differing views on the holiday's significance.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does Scrooge’s response to the Gentleman Visitor contribute to the plot?

• He refuses to give them any money to provide food and drink for the poor.

• He speaks adamantly about his perspective on people in prison.

• He eagerly agrees to volunteer at a union poorhouse if he is paid to do so.

• He gives them a little money to make them go away more quickly.

Answer explanation

Scrooge's refusal to give money to the Gentleman Visitor highlights his selfishness and lack of compassion, reinforcing his character as miserly and indifferent to the plight of the poor, which is central to the plot's development.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What impact does the symbolism of Marley’s chains have on the story?

• It helps emphasize the acts of kindness that Marley has shown others.

• It shows the debts that he never repaid before his demise.

• It shows the positives of his moral compass.

• It is representation that sins and mistreatment of others follows you even after death.

Answer explanation

Marley's chains symbolize the burdens of his unfulfilled debts and wrongdoings in life. They serve as a reminder that he failed to repay his moral obligations, highlighting the consequences of his actions even after death.

Select the statement that best explains Marley’s regrets.

• Not making more money when he was in business with Scrooge.

• Not being kind to people especially during rough times.

• Spending seven years traveling with the wind.

• Not expanding their business to other areas.

Answer explanation

Marley's regrets center on not being kind to others, especially during difficult times. This reflects his realization that wealth and business success are meaningless without compassion and empathy for those in need.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Select the following phrase that best describes Scrooge’s attitude as the clock strikes one after Marley’s visit

• calm and relaxed

• happy and excited

• nervous and impatient

• shocked and angry

Answer explanation

After Marley’s visit, Scrooge feels nervous and impatient as he anticipates the arrival of the spirits. His previous skepticism is replaced by anxiety, making 'nervous and impatient' the best description of his attitude.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which of the following best describes the Cratchit home?

• completely depressing because of poverty

• Impressive because of their great wealth

• happy in spite of their poverty

• comfortable because it is enormous

Answer explanation

The Cratchit home is characterized by warmth and love, showcasing happiness despite their financial struggles. This reflects their resilience and strong family bonds, making 'happy in spite of their poverty' the best description.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

How does the detail of the children on the spirit’s legs contribute to the overall text?

• They represent Ignorance and Want which the Spirit warns Scrooge to find more of.

• They symbolize two of society’s ills which cling to Christmas: the desire to receive instead of to give, and the failure to acknowledge suffering.

• They represent Ignorance and Want, two of Scrooge’s faults that hopefully have been corrected by the spirit’s visit.

• The author likely includes these children to remind readers to care for those in need during Christmas time.

Answer explanation

The children symbolize Ignorance and Want, reflecting Scrooge's faults that the spirit aims to correct. Their presence serves as a reminder for readers to care for those in need, especially during Christmas.

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.4

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

What can the reader conclude is the most likely reason for the third spirit's visit?

• To emphasize to Scrooge that he will likely die lonely and unmissed.

• To show Scrooge the death of Tiny Tim.

• To show Scrooge that his staff has intentions of stealing Scrooge’s valuables upon his death.

• To entertain Scrooge in the last hours before he awakes on Christmas day.

Answer explanation

The third spirit's visit serves to highlight Scrooge's potential fate of dying alone and unmissed, emphasizing the consequences of his actions and lack of meaningful relationships.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What can the reader conclude Scrooge’s laughter and happiness reveals at the beginning of Scene 6?

• That Scrooge has gone mad.

• That Scrooge has decided to make a positive change in his life.

• That Scrooge finds the situation funny.

• That Scrooge will continue to live his life as he has been living it.

Answer explanation

Scrooge's laughter and happiness indicate a significant shift in his character, suggesting he has embraced a new outlook on life and is ready to make positive changes, rather than remaining in his old ways.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.7